Here are today’s news and links:

Rangers News:

• Brett Cyrgalis thinks the moment of truth is coming soon for Ondrej Pavelec (NY Post)
• Cyrgalis also noted that Ryan McDonagh is set to return to the lineup tonight (NY Post)
• Scott Billeck discusses how losing Mika Zibanejad to a concussion will be a difficult obstacle for the Rangers to overcome (NBC Sports)
• Justin Rutherford examines the team’s options to replace Zibanejad’s presence down the middle (Blue Seat Blogs)
• Karly Redpath argues that Brady Skjei’s current role could be detrimental to his development (Blue Line Station)
• David Bruce says the time has come to appreciate Kevin Hayes (Blue Line Station)
• Dave Rogers believes that turning their season around will end up costing the Blueshirts in the long run (Cleared For Contact)
• Mike Valvano examines what Michael Grabner’s next contract could look like (Cleared For Contact)
• Dominick Renna questions whether a full rebuild is feasible so long as Henrik Lundqvist is on New York’s roster (Elite Sports NY)
• Media Avalability: Alain Vigneault,(7:12) Kevin Shattenkirk,(3:39) Henrik Lundqvist,(3:20) Rick Nash,(1:49) and Ryan McDonagh (1:37) (Official Team Site)/

Around the NHL:

• Mark Spector sympathizes with the plight of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Kris Russell, who scored the game winning goal last night-against his own netminder Laurent Brossoit (Sportsnet)
• Ryan Lambert answers questions about the Minnesota Wild’s struggles, which general manager is about to make a lopsided trade, and more (Puck Daddy)
• The New Jersey Devils sent Adam Henrique, Joseph Blandisi, and a third round pick to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Sami Vatanen and a conditional third round pick. Reactions and analysis to the trade can be found here and here (All About The Jersey and Anaheim Calling)/